EARNING YOUR WAY TO DREAM, EXPRESS, & WRITE by Susan Marlene

Ever wonder how, why, or if you should share your writings beyond the boundaries of your desktop? Wonder how you can support your veracious thirst for conferences, research, and books of all sorts? I’ll share with you some new thoughts I’ve been turning over, because maybe they will work for you also.

SELL YOUR BOOK like WILDFIRE THE WRITER’S GUIDE TO MARKETING & PUBLICITY by Rob Eagar   Topic of discussion: CHAPTER 13

NEWSLETTERS: When for example:  monthly; be consistent—Tuesday or Wednesday around 2:00 pm. Or choose a time when people will be checking their email and are active online. Newsletters keep you connected with your readers and the goal is to be available and provide a useful and relative message.  

Here are some examples: Laura Frantz--she is a historical fiction writer. She includes a short personal note; photos of her books; giveaways; what is going on in her life and how she prays for her readers and how she appreciates them (that is always a great idea! For we all need prayer!) She offers perks for signing up for her newsletter: “Be the first to see my new book covers, writing updates, subscriber-only giveaways, and recipes straight from my kitchen. Plus, get my free guide 10 Beloved Books That Inspire Me Professionally and Personally. ( Newsletters sent monthly )” Other newsletters to take a look at: Amy Robnik Joob ; DiAnn Mills; James Scott Bell; Steve Laube You will find their newsletter sign up on their websites.
 
HOW TO WRITE SHORT STORIES AND USE THEM TO FURTHER YOUR WRITING CAREER by JAMES SCOTT BELL
Offering short stories to interest people who enjoy your type of writing can build your email list for your newsletters. This is my plan. I love the power and pacing of a short story and to offer this to a reader who wants my newsletter is a reward for me!

How to Make a LIVING as a WRITER by James Scott Bell
In chapter 13 “What You Need to Know About Marketing” James Scott Bell’s #1 strategy for marketing is quality writing. Don’t rush or cut corners on you writing skill.  As quoted from this chapter,’ “Mickey Spillane, once put it, “Your first chapter sells your book. Your last chapter sells your next book.”’  Bell provides a list of how readers pick authors on pages 128 – 129.
He suggests that he thinks a regular email is better than a fancy newsletter. Brief and personal with relevant information.  Each email should have a link to a new deal or reminder for an older one. Something amusing. 

How Do We Handle All of This Without Going Berserk?????

DREAM--I’ve read somewhere and have always believed that we should take timeout for ourselves to write something that makes us thrive and our hearts beat faster…children’s book, poem, devotion, Biblical short story—whatever engages your heart and jumpstarts your day!
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Begin with Resting & Growing in the Lord, and here are some links that can help you do this: https://www.christianpublishingshow.com/  link on Steve Laube newsletter. (Examining your motivation.)  https://www.faithgateway.com/author/cheryl-wunderlich/ Author of Finding the Sabbath in the Everyday, Sacred Rest. 
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